Couple is first big winner of Illinois Lottery’s “Cash for Life” game

After proposing to his soon-to-be bride, a Machesney Park man played the Illinois Lottery’s new Cash for Life instant ticket with the lucky penny and became the game’s first big winner. He and his fiancée will receive $500 a week for life.

"We are truly blessed to win on this ticket,” said Dan Kaiser. “It is a great way for us to start our new life together."

Shortly after getting engaged, Kaiser purchased a $1 Cash for Life ticket at The Corner Store in Rockford’s Cherryvale Mall. He was soon elated to find the scratch-off ticket was a winner.

"We were happy before we won, but this makes it just that much better,” said Kaiser. “It gives us a little boost that we can use to do some of the things we might not have been able to do before."

The Illinois Lottery today will present the couple with an oversized check of $500 a week for life. The event will take place at 3:30 p.m. in the downstairs auditorium of the State of Illinois Building, 200 South Wyman, in Rockford.

The Illinois Lottery’s Cash for Life game, launched last month, offers players the chance to win $500, $1,000 or $2,500 every week for the rest of their lives. The prize amount depends on whether the player plays a $1, $2 or $5 scratch-off ticket.

“Everyone wants to live a long, healthy life,” said Jodie Winnett, acting superintendent of the Illinois Lottery. “Cash for Life is even more incentive to do exactly that.”

Players can learn more about Cash For Life and see how much they could win over the course of their lifetime by visiting www.illinoislottery.com.

Founded in 1974, the Illinois Lottery has contributed over $18 billion to the state’s Common School Fund to assist K-12 public schools, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars to the Capital Projects Fund and to special causes like Illinois Veterans, the fight against breast cancer, MS research, and assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to playing in-store, the Illinois Lottery offers online and mobile play for Mega Millions, Powerball and Lotto at www.illinoislottery.com. Players must be at least 18 years old.

Play Responsibly. Must be 18 or older to play. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). For more info or to exclude yourself call 1-800-252-1775.

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